Credit: Stuart Cahill

Fireworks explode over the Hancock Tower from the 4th of July celebration.

Credit: Matt Stone

Keith Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops during the Fireworks Spectacular at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade.

Credit: Angela Rowlings

MaryAnn Rollins, of Bolton and Richard Garcia, of Victoria, Tex., wait along the Esplanade to hear the Boston Pops and see the fireworks

Credit: Angela Rowlings

Megan Schinker, 12, of Stow, OH, waits to pass through security to get seats near the Hatch Shell at the Esplanade. Schinker has traveled to Boston most years since she was a baby to see the Boston Pops and the fireworks.

Credit: Angela Rowlings

The Beach Boys perform a sound check with the group at the Hatch Shell

The threat of rain and thunder hasn’t dampened the spirits of thousands of revelers streaming onto the Esplanade for a Fourth of July celebration bumped up a day as a result of Tropical Storm Arthur’s approach.

The big last-minute changeup worked to the advantage of Maura Moran of Sudbury.

“I come every year for the rehearsal, but — surprise! — I get to take in everything. The key to celebrating the Fourth in Boston is to be flexible,” said Moran. She added that the forecast didn’t scare her.

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